last edited April 18, 2011

The role of the Club Service committee is to manage membership development and retention, communication amongst members and with District and other clubs, the club programme of speakers, sporting events and visits, and Rotaract development. Chaired by the Senior Vice President.

Committee meeting 29 March 2011
Chairman’s Report - SVP Sonia commented on Charter Night and thanked Colin Fletcher for all the work in preparing for such an event. Sonia also thanked everyone that organised everything for Rotary Day/Week. IPP Meurig said that he had sent a letter of thanks for the use of the shop window. Sonia reported that £253 had been raised towards a Shelter Box. The Treasurer said that a Rotary cheque had been sent to the Japan Disaster fund but that he was still working on a way to get monies to Christchurch, NZ. It was agreed that the Secretary would check on what guidance had been provided when the request came in.
SVP Sonia mentioned the District Assembly Meeting to be held in Swansea on 8th May.
Thanks for Life - It was reported that the Wishing Well monies continue to be allocated to TfL. SVP Sonia said that she was already discussing the Pig Roast with the new Committees and also needed agreement on a date with Inner Wheel.
Web Site - John said that most of the items and reports were up to date. He planned to provide a new Charity page covering this year’s efforts, and also update the Home Page.      
Visits - Mike Price had been looking at the proposed visit to Amsterdam, but noted that the prices were significantly higher for the weekend that had been chosen. It has been suggested that this visit be re-scheduled for the autumn.
John said that 85 possible places had been offered for the Strasburg trip with 40 of those with one MEP. He suggested that a response, in the form of a ‘declaration of interest’ was needed very soon, so that plans could be put in train. Current costs indicate that a three night stay plus transport from London, would be about £400. It was agreed to ask members at next week’s meeting John Ockey said that he would also raise this in Probus.
Sports - Bob reported a good Games Night with Llanidloes Club with Aber victorious. The next Bowls evening would be in Machynlleth on 8th May, with a meal on the return journey. Golf would held during the second week of May. Also, Bob mentioned that an Aber Team had been entered for the Rotary District Golf Competition.
Programme - Hywel said that the dates were filled other bar 2, which had been reserved for possible new members’ talks. IPP Meurig mentioned that possible Speakers names had been provided by Aberaeron Club.
Membership/Attendance - SVP Sonia said that 3, or maybe 4 new members were on the horizon. John Bradshaw said that 2 new members would be signed-up next week. Sonia and others said that other possibilites were still ongoing.
Almoner - John Ockey reported that Bill Jones was making very good progress, and that a number of modifications had been implemented in his house, which eased his movement at home.
PRO - Huw reported that the CN still published reports but the photographs of a couple of events had to be delayed. Items for the Spokesman, together with photographs, were in process of preparation, in readiness for the early April cut-off date. Huw suggested, given a large number of dates for various club events, whether an e-newsletter would be considered helpful. All agreed that this should go ahead and Huw would liaise with Colin and Hywel for information.
AOB SVP Sonia said that more thought should be given to the way in which the Emergency Fund could be replenished.

Committee meeting 25 January 2011
Chairman’s Report - For the ‘Rotary Week and Day (23rd February), SVP Sonia reported that no action had been taken to obtain a collection licence (for a Shelter Box), until confirmation was available that the empty shop was could be used to put up a display. IPP Meurig reported that the shop owner had agreed to our using the window, with the proviso that it would only be for a week. Sonia reported that she would only be returning on 21st and asked if anyone would please help Huw Spencer Lloyd with the display, and Meurig volunteered to do this. President Emlyn also suggested that the new ‘retractable’ Club Banner be used in the display. Sonia said that she would pursue the ‘licence’ issue by visiting the Council Offices this afternoon. The issue of obtaining a Shelter Box was raised and it was suggested that Aberaeron Club should be contacted to see if a Box was available for use during the Rotary week period. Meurig also suggested that a gazebo could be used to display the ‘Box’ on the pavement, if the weather was fine. SVP Sonia said that she will miss the next PETS Meeting as the date had been changed. Sonia also said that a pouch had been obtained for use to hold the wireless mike unit.An example of the ‘Handout card’ with Club information for possible new Members, was circulatedThe date for the Summer Ball was announced as 21st May, and the President was organising this event to be held at Llety Park (subject to confirmation), with the same band as last year performing. .
Web Site - John reported that Committee reports were still slow to arrive. Colin said that he would check whether he had some which could be used.
Visits - President Emlyn said that a visit was planned to Amsterdam (flying from Liverpool) for 15th to 18th April and that would not be dependent on the number of people that were interested in going. A board would be circulated soon. A day trip was to take place on 4th May.
Sports - Bob reported that the Pool games would take place after todays meeting. The Games night with Llanidloes Club would be on 16th March at the Blue Bell.  In early February, Bowls, and another Pool and Bowls session would be in March, with Golf on May 6th, and this could be held in Aberystwyth.
Programme -Hywel reported that the programme was full until the end of April followed by gaps in the next two months. He welcomed any suggestions for the empty dates.
Membership/Attendance - A number of names were mentioned as possible new Members but no definite agreement had been obtained as yet.
Almoner - John reported that Bill Jones was progressing very well and that he could be home soon given any modifications that were required to the house.
PRO - The CN continues to publish club activity reports.

Committee meeting 16 November 2010
Chairman's report - ADG – no offers of possible candidates had been received. SVP Sonia raised the topic of ‘Rotary Week’ and Day (23rd February 2011) and suggested that we should undertake a similar display to that produced for last year. After some discussion it was also suggested that perhaps a Shelter Box could be available and that a collection could be organised specifically for the Emergency Fund. Hywel asked whether video was available that could be used in conjunction with the display. This topic was to be raised to Club Council.
Sonia wished William well in the 10K Run on 5th December
Thanks for Life - The Treasurer reported that over £100 had been collected in the Wishing well in October. Given that the amounts to hand, covered next year’s allocation, it was suggested that the proceedings from the Pig Roast next year could be allocated to other charities.
This to be raised to Club Council.
Web Site - A request was made for Committee reports to be forwarded to John in a timely manner.
Visits - Hywel reported that the Paris trip would not be proceeding due to lack of numbers. NTR on the Strasbourg trip for 2012. President Emlyn said that the Community and Vocational Committee were discussing a possible day trip for next year.
Sports - Bob said that the Bowls evening was organised for 26th November with meal at the Wildfowler afterwards. Also, Pool events were to be held in January and March, with Golf to follow in May.
Programme - Hywel noted the change of date for the Young Singer/Musician Competition from 22nd to 8th February. It was noted that the International Committee were thinking about a Welsh-related Evening Meeting around March 1st. In addition, Hywel asked for any inputs on possible Speakers and/or Award winners to fill the remaining slots for the year.
Membership/Attendance - The Chairman again reminded everyone that ‘Membership’ should be a standing item on the Agenda of every Committee. It was suggested that leaflets could be handed out during the Christmas collection, informing people about Rotary and its work, and to promote/encourage enquiries for membership. These could also be used during Rotary Week if we proceeded with a one day collection display for the Shelter Boxes.
Almoner - John reported that an ex-member, Jim Morgan was unwell.
PRO - Huw reported that the CN was publishing all the submitted reports. The Spokesman contained the Club Notes, and the photo taken by Mike Price, of Members by the Polio Board of the Wishing Well, had also appeared.
AOB - The Emergency Fund issue had been discussed under the Chairman’s Report (above).
It was reported that the Inner Wheel Concert had been postponed until the New Year.
PP Meurig raised the issue of the lapel microphone used on the PA system, and said that it did not provide satisfactory results when Speakers move their heads from side to side. SVP Sonia agreed to talk to Mike Price on this topic.
Hywel said that another mains extension lead was needed for the laptop/projector use.

Committee meeting 14 September 2010
Chairman’s Report
Membership - Club Council had agreed that every member be encouraged to bring one guest to our meetings to raise awareness and, where possible, attract new members.  Membership should be a standing item on each Committee’s agenda.
RYLA - Alun John had prepared a suggested policy concerning the Club’s sponsorship of RYLA candidates.  After some discussion the following was proposed for consideration by Club Council:

• The Club will normally sponsor one candidate for the RYLA course at the Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre in the Brecon Beacons each Rotary year. 
• While the Club prefers to sponsor only one candidate each year, in exceptional circumstances, it can consider sending two provided both agree to meet half the combined cost between them.
• Candidates are selected from Year <  > pupils at Penglais and Penweddig schools in alternate years.  Teachers have an input in selection process and each candidate is interviewed by a representative of the Club prior to final selection.
• If no suitable candidate is available from these two schools in any given year, the Club can consider candidates attending other local educational institutions, such as Coleg Ceredigion, on a full-time basis for sponsorship on the Course.
• Candidates who are sponsored by the Club must agree to reimburse all reasonable costs incurred by the Club on their behalf if they do not attend the course and are unable to provide extenuating reasons that are acceptable to the Club for their non-attendance.  
• Other candidates can be considered, normally on a self-funding basis, (the cost of the five day residential course is currently £300 payable in advance).
• Candidates who are sponsored by the Club are asked to give a short talk to the Club on their experiences while on the course.
  

Web Site - John had prepared a revised front page for the Website.  This was in draft form at the moment and could be accessed through a link on the existing front page.  John invited comments on the draft before it went live.  John still needed the reports of two Committees to add to the Website.  Colin undertook to send copies of these and photographs of the two Penweddig pupils who attended the RYLA course and subsequently spoke to the Club about their experiences at Dolygaer.
Thanks for Life - Hywel Davies had emptied and cleaned the Wishing Well every week during August and a record amount of £158 had been collected.   President Emlyn would contact Hywel to arrange the transfer of the bag for the Wishing Well to Alun John who was on the rota for September.
Visits - Paris - Arrangements were proceeding for the trip to Paris (18 to 21 March 2011) and Seren Arian would soon require a deposit of £75 each.  An option to use the Channel Tunnel and avoid the sea crossing was available at an additional £6 a head.
Strasbourg - John Bradshaw had been making enquiries about a possible trip to Strasbourg to visit the European Parliament.  3 of the 4 Welsh MEPs were unable to help with a trip this Rotary Year as they had already allocated their 100 travel places.  The UKIP MEP had 20 places left but this could restrict the number in the group.  As the Paris Trip in March next year was already well advanced it was proposed to aim to go to Strasbourg in May of 2012 when, with more notice, a greater number of funded travel places should be available.
Sports - Bob said that he hoped to arrange an event (Pool or Bowls) every month from November to March with the Golf Competition in May.
The annual social and competition evening with the Llanidloes Club would take place on Wednesday, 16 March.
Programme - Hywel was away at the moment but the programme to Christmas was understood to be full
Membership/Attendance - One potential member of the Club had been seen and was considering whether to join.
Almoner - John said that he had nothing to report – which was good.
PRO - Huw reported that the Cambrian News continued to print the reports on Club meetings.  A photo of the two RYLA participants had been sent as part of the report of last week’s meeting.  A feature on the Wishing Well had been sent to the Spokesman together with the customary Club Notes.
AOB - Charter Night - President Emlyn said that Professor Wynne Jones, the recently retired Principal of Harper Adams Agricultural College and Presenter of  the S4C series Fferm Ffactor, had kindly agreed to be the main speaker on Charter Night (26 March).  The response would be given by District Governor Donna Wallbank.  Bronwen Morgan, Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council, would respond on behalf of the Guests.
Emergency Fund - Following the recent decision to purchase a Shelter Box for the Pakistan Emergency Appeal, the Emergency Fund had less than £100 left in the account.  No further donations would be possible until the Fund was replenished.  The income from the weekly raffle was being used for this purpose but at a net contribution of £25 a week this would take some time unless a dedicated fund raising event was arranged. 

Committee meeting 20 July 2010
Minutes - Minutes of the 15th June 2010 were circulated and accepted.
Sonia reminded members that two items were to be raised to Club Council, namely,
a) Membership to be on each Committee’s Agenda, and
b) RYLA Terms and Conditions
Chairman’s Report - Sonia reported that she and the President had attended the Graduation Ceremony at the University, and they had a pleasant time. She will also be attending the PETS Meeting on 26 September 2010, and on 20 February 2011. Sonia also noted that the District Assembly will be held on 8th May 2011. Currently, there is an ongoing discussion on how District communicates with Clubs, and how well that is achieved, or otherwise. Hywel asked whether all Members are on e-mail. The resulting discussion indicated that all bar one were.
Thanks for Life - No change in current plans that include proceeds from the Wishing Well and the Pig Roast.
Web Site - John thanked everyone that had contributed to the inputs of the Charity Page, which was now on the website. IPP Meurig promised to help John with the amounts raised for the various Charities. Hywel suggested that reports and photos from various events shoud be made available to John.
Visits - Hywel reported that he was waiting for information on the proposed Paris trip in March 2011. Price options for ferry or Eurostar would be included. Sonia was also looking at the options for an Amsterdam trip. Hywel also promised to review a possible trip to Rome.
Sports - Bob, in his absence, reported that no specifics were currently available.
Programme - Hywel reported that he had communicated with members of the District GSE Team that visited Australia, and that a representative would talk to the club on 19 October.
Membership/Attendance - Various names were mentioned by members as possible candidates. Sonia said that this should be pursued further after the Club Council meeting.
Almoner - John said that Eifion was a lot better.
PRO - In his absence Huw reported that the Cambrian News continues to publish the inputs provided and that he was preparing items for the Spokesman.
AOB - Robin reported that Bryn Button had reached Papua New Guinea.
President Emlyn said that given that the Inner Wheel had now organised a concert in October, and an event similarly to what he had in mind, in November, there had to be a rethink on the fund raising plan.

Committee meeting 15 June 2010
Chairman’s Report - Sonia reported that further to a Meeting at SVP Emlyn’s house yesterday and the inputs received via the eight Members that attended the District Assembly in Swansea on 23rd May, a number of items have been raised as follows:
The RIBI motto for the coming year is “Building Communities – Bridging Continents”. There will be a continuation of the common RIBI theme of the Thanks for Life –End Polio Now Campaign which will culminate in another Rotary Day – Thanks for Life on 23rd February 2011. The aims will be to
• Raise awareness and publicity for Rotary
• Increase our membership
• Continue to obtain funds to support polio eradication
On this latter point, Bob mentioned that the Today programme had a report by Evan Davis with an interview with Bill Gates on the work for polio eradication, but that Rotary was only fleetingly mentioned together with other organisations such as WHO. It was felt that this was a missed opportunity for Rotary publicity and that it should be pursued.
To this end Club Service wish to continue to:
• Encourage membership development and retention
• Communication amongst members, District and other Clubs
• Continue fund raising activities through the relevant committees
On the Membership front, Sonia reported that that the information from District assembly indicated that membership is now 1901 with a net gain of 55 during the year, versus a target of 73. Sadly two clubs have folded. Suggestions raised to attract new members were:
• Non dining members which could appeal to those unable to attend at midday meetings
• Sponsor young perspective members for one year
• Get rid of classification/affiliation consideration (already applies here)
• Produce an A – Z of the club and Rotary to assist new members ( Newport Club are producing a leaflet and the proofs will be made available to SVP)
• Membership survey – to ascertain the reason why people are not joining
• An active club is an attractive club (everyone agreed that we fulfil this description)
President Meurig suggested that every member be asked to bring one person to our meetings so that people can better understand what we do and to increase awareness. He also suggested that this could be on each committee’s agenda. [This to be raised to Club Council].
Polio Eradication - SVP Sonia reiterated that this was a five (5) year commitment of £1,500 per year, and that the club had already forwarded the funds covering the first two years. The wishing well produces about half of the amount per annum and the Pig Roast, proposed for 8th August, should raise about £500. In response to the question of whether other fund raising initiatives were needed, the Treasurer felt that other profits such as from the sale of Christmas cards all added to the fund.
District fund raising - SVP Sonia reported that under the general Fund Raising topic, the emphasis at District level was on Youth Programmes. The DG’s preferred charities are Doctor Bank and Mary’ Meal Boxes. SVP Emlyn would like to support this if at all possible. The latter is a system for collecting articles for the specific box which are then sold by Rotarian and the proceeds provide meals for those in need in underdeveloped countries.
Presidents charities - SVP Emlyn’s preferred charities are MS and Ceredigion Association for the Blind. He also outlined other ideas for fund raising such as:-Quiz/Silent Auction/Fish and Chips nights in the autumn; Champagne and Strawberries in June next year; Golf Tournament in May, and other ideas such as Races night; Valuation night; Duck race and Wine tasting. Another idea that was floated, was a ‘100 Club’, where members would contribute a fixed amount per month for a regular draw. Another thought was that Gift Aided Donations could be sought.
Thanks for Life - It was reported that the Wishing Well was producing good returns.
Web Site - John B said that the committee reports were being provided and put onto the website. Hywel suggested that the website address could be attached to PRO reports in the CN. John reported that one user had reported a problem with the website and William agreed to check on this and to report (Post Meeting -No problems found).
Visits - Proposals for next year included: Paris trip in March (Hywel); Dublin RIBI (April); Strasbourg (John); Amsterdam (Sonia).
Sports - Bob reported that the usual Cup competitions would be organised with probably more Pool included this year. The inter-club sports night had been organised with Llanidloes for March 16th. A Charity Golf Tournament would take place next May with Iorrie taking the lead.
Programme - Hywel reported that he had provided the Secretary with a list of Speakers covering the period up to Christmas with the exception of 19t October and 14th December. Suggestions for speakers included using members of the local police force; the District GSE Team that visited Australia and Scholarship holders.
Membership/Attendance - JVP Sonia had covered this aspect earlier.
PRO - Huw reported that articles has appeared in the Spokesman covering club activities and a photo of Bryn Button (although not in Rotary Today).The Cambrian News had not published some of the recent inputs but these will be resent.
AOB - Huw reported that the Wishing Well refurbishment was now complete.
President Meurig raised a problem which had surfaced on the RYLA front, whereby the nominee had withdrawn, and two others had now volunteered. Questions were raised and answered on the contributions expected from the volunteers as this had not been raised when they were approached. It was also noted that two people had been sent on the RYLA course in the past. After a detailed discussion it was proposed that Terms and Conditions for future RYLA attendance should be written.[This to be raised to Club Council]Hywel mentioned the RIBI Conference in Dublin and that the Dublin Rotary Club will also be celebrating its Centenary.

AGM 2009/10 report - 27th April 2010 (Chairman Emlyn Watkin)
Thanks for Life - The main theme for the year, directed by District, was the Thanks for Life Project concentrating on the continued programme for the eradication of Polio and using the success of that programme to promote Rotary and to encourage new membership. The committee considered the range of suggestions for meeting these two objectives and concluded that the commitment to raising £1500 for Polio Plus for each of the five years coupled with a display in a shop window in Aberystwyth would be sufficient.
International Rotary day - The shop window display in Owain Glyndwr Square was a joint effort with Community Service Committee and it was timed to coincide with International Rotary Day, 23rd February 2010. Although limited to one side of the shop window, the location was ideal and the comprehensive display of posters and photos proved an effective means of promulgating the benefits and works of Rotary. Our thanks go in particular to President Meurig, Rtns Huw Spencer Lloyd and Michael Deaville for coordinating the display.
Membership - we were informed that District undertook a recruitment and promotional drive along the M4 corridor, but we’ve received no feedback on the impact if any. However, we have been fortunate to recruit Lisa Francis, Tony Landeg and Paul Finch during the year. On the other hand, it is with regret that Past President Elwyn Hughes, Rtns Maynard Samuel and Bill Field have, for different reasons, tendered their retirements and we are thankful for their contributions in the past. Elwyn served as Attendance Officer for many years and this was much appreciated.
Area quiz - One of the committee’s earlier tasks was to make arrangements for the area Quiz competition in November between Lampeter, Aberaeron and our own club here at the Marine as part of an evening meeting with partners. Past President Robin Varley was the Quiz Master and it’s a testament to his integrity, and the difficulty of his questions, that Aberaeron were the winners who were subsequently knocked out by Milford Haven in the next stage.
PRO - PP Huw Spencer Lloyd has continued to ensure the Club receives good and regular publicity in the Cambrian News. Details of the Club’s activities had appeared in the Spokesman including a report on the GSE and a photograph of the visit to the Rheidol Power Station. Huw had contacted the Editor of Rotary Today, and a 400 word article with pictures on the work of Bryn Button with MSF appeared in the February edition. Our thanks must also go to PP Mike Price for acting as official photographer throughout the year. Rtn Hywel Wyn Jones has also provided Welsh articles on the Club’s activities for insertion into Yr Angor.
Web site - Rtn John Bradshaw continued to update the Club’s website and can now monitor the number and source of “hits” to the site. The site has capacity for more data and John has requested a flow of information from members to keep the site interesting and up to date. Even though John disappeared on his motorcycle sojourn to China he still managed to keep us informed of his escapades and negotiations with the police in various countries,
Sports - Rtn Bob Hughes-Jones again organised a number of sporting events including bowls and pool although, despite a number of attempts, the clay pigeon shooting didn’t happen. The bowls team entered a competition in Llandrindod but without much success. The Llanidloes Club Sports Night was held in March at the Blue Bell in Llangurig and the team result was a win for Aberystwyth.
Programme - We have enjoyed a full and varied programme and our thanks go to Rtn Hywel Wyn Jones, our programme secretary. On one of our evening meetings with partners, the Young Singer’s competition was held and you will hear more on this from the youth activities committee. Past President Richard Morgan addressed the club on 16th March with a thought-provoking and challenging message.
Lap top & projector - A new projector and laptop were purchased with the assistance of a 100% grant from the Lottery. We also attracted a grant from Ceredigion County Council but this wasn’t required. The equipment has been insured and it appears to be working well and used often by our excellent ambassadorial scholar Wendy. The Committee debated a suggestion that visiting Speakers be offered a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation, but this wasn’t agreed by Club Council.
Almoner - Past President John Ockey, had quite a busy year keeping in touch with members who were suffering illness and those whose partners or family members were affected in one way or another. He regularly updated the committee with reports and I’m sure his contact and support was much appreciated by all.
Members activities - Rtn William Williams ran in the Aberystwyth10K to raise money for the Talking Newspapers and Macmillan Cancer Research. Rtn Eric Robinson volunteered to throw himself from the top of Bronglais Hospital in support of the Stroke Association.
Shelter box - funding was sent for the South Pacific and Haiti Appeals.
Club sweaters - New club sweaters were introduced during the year to encourage identity with the club and in case anyone forgets their name and gets lost!
Christmas cards - A different approach was taken to the sale of Christmas Cards which proved popular and produced a profit of over £100 for Foundation.
Presidents charity - A concert was held at Llanbadarn Church on 15th November with Cor Godre’r Aran in attendance, with proceeds to the President’s Charity of the Welsh Air Ambulance. Inner Wheel members and partners of Rotarians provided the refreshments for the choir and artistes.
Visits - A visit to Ireland to coincide with the Wales 6 Nations rugby match was successfully organised by Rtn Hywel Wyn Jones and contact was made with the Rotary Club in Dublin who welcomed the Aberystwyth contingent. We are looking forward to the visit next month to Llechwedd Slate Quarry and the Talyllyn railway organised by PP Richard Morgan.
Charter night - Our grateful thanks go to President Meurig and Anna for organising such a successful Charter Night with the support of a number of committee members. The event was very well attended and it was acknowledged that the guest speakers proved to be excellent choices. The inclusion of the piano recital by Heledd Griffiths, who won the Young Musicians competition, was well received.
Finally, I wish to thank all the members of the committee for their willingness to support the work of the committee throughout the year. In particular, my thanks go to Rtn Colin Fletcher for being extremely efficient, Rtn William Williams for writing the minutes so promptly and accurately and also PP Robin Varley for keeping control of the money.

AGM 2008/9 report - 28th April 2009 (Chairman Meurig Lewis)
Brussels visit - Probably the biggest and most enjoyable achievement was our visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. Twenty one Rotarians and their partners travelled on the ‘Eurostar’ this month and enjoyed good fellowship and camaraderie for a couple of days in the Belgium capital. The main question on our return was “Where next?’
Clay Pigeon shoot - Despite the weather, the Clay Pigeon shoot on the 14th October was also an enjoyable event.
Fish and Chip supper - The Quiz and Fish and Chip supper held at the RAFA club on the 21st November was well attended and very successful with the proceeds raised going towards a Portable Echo Cardiogram at Penglais Hospital.
Proposed day visit - We are of course looking forward to our visit to Big Pit, Blaenavon, next month following which we will be visiting Penderyn Distillery to recover from our underground experiences.
PRO - The Club receives good publicity in the press, both in the Cambrian News and “The Spokesman”.
Attendance - Our attendance records continue to provide valuable feed back to our committee.
Membership - We were delighted that Eric Robinson rejoined the Club and to welcome Dana Edwards as a new member.
Almoner - Our Almoner had quite a busy year what with Godfrey Hill, Gwynn Lewis, Don Griffiths and latterly President Ian Rees suffering serious illnesses. In his own inimitable way, John has kept in touch with them all (and others in the Club) and has kept us informed on their progress. Our best wishes go to President Ian at this time as he undergoes his course of chemotherapy treatment.
Programme - We have enjoyed a full and varied programme. On one of our evening meetings with partners, the young musician’s competition was held and it was very much enjoyed by all and will likely be repeated in the same format in future.
Sport - Nine members took part in the Bowls competition in January, whilst the Pool and golf competitions will take place over the next couple of months.
Charter night - We had a very successful Charter Night. Enjoying the company of our partners at this event has certainly increased attendance and the musical interlude, before and after the speeches, added a nice touch.
Lunch tickets - Towards the end of October, we became a cashless society. Gone are the days of paying cash for our lunches as we have become a “ticket only” organisation. From the stewards’ and treasurer’s point of view the system has gone down well but there is more work for the ticket secretaries for which we thank them.
60th anniversary - celebrations came to an end with the production of the Club photograph which also incorporated a history of the Club written by Past President Richard Morgan.
Centenary fund - Our highly successful centenary fund was closed with further monies being distributed to surgeries and hospitals in the catchment area. The final cheque in excess of £12000 was presented to the Beacon of Hope.
10K walk - The annual Aberystwyth 10k run saw Rotarians William Williams and Geraint Thomas, along with William’s wife Catherine take part, and their efforts raised a very commendable amount in excess of £4000 for charity.
District Governor visit - During March we were pleased to welcome District Governor Clayton Heycock on a special visit to present us with a certificate under the “Health and Hunger” banner. This was for our work for Polio Plus, Aqua Boxes, Shelter Boxes and Beacon of Hope and we are one of only two Clubs in the District to receive the award this year